Mental Aspects Research Articles

Association Between Dysphagia and Depressive Symptoms: Propensity Score Matching Approaches.

The co-occurrence of depression and dysphagia is obvious to clinicians and has been the focus of several research investigations. Dysphagia not only leads to physical complications but also exerts a negative emotional impact, resulting in a decline in quality of life. The purpose of the study was to investigate the association between dysphagia and depressive symptoms at the population level while accounting for various demographics and health conditions. This study was a cross-sectional design using the 2022 National Health Interview Survey. The study subjects were American adults who completed the survey questionnaires about depressive symptoms, swallowing problems, and health conditions. Regression models and three different propensity score matching approaches were utilized to estimate associations between dysphagia and depressive symptom. Data analyzed in the study showed that among 25,651 U.S. adults, 1,664 (6.48%) reported dysphagia. Among patients with dysphagia, 976 (58.65%) were women, and the average age was 55.48 years. The differences in demographics and health conditions between individuals with and without dysphagia were balanced by three propensity score matching approaches (p >.05). After adjustments using population-weighted multivariable logistic regression, the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) with both normalized weights, IPTW with stabilized weights, and Greedy algorithms with 1:1 matching method, the risks of having depressive symptom in those with dysphagia were significantly higher than those without dysphagia (odds ratios ranged from 1.763 to 2.402, p <.0001). The study supports that dysphagia and depressive symptoms frequently co-occur in U.S. adults, highlighting the need for comprehensive care that addresses both physical and mental health aspects of swallowing impairments.

CARD-SARC: mixed-method study to develop a disease-specific health-related quality of life tool for cardiac sarcoidosis

Abstract Introduction Sarcoidosis is a rare inflammatory condition caused by the formation of lumps (granulomas) of abnormal tissue in any organ, and can affect physical, functional, mental, social and economic aspects of life. People living with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) are likely to have worse clinical outcomes and greater impairment on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) than other sarcoidosis manifestations. HRQoL is the main concern for people living with sarcoidosis. However, measuring HRQoL in people with CS is difficult as existing tools focus on other forms of sarcoidosis (for example, lung, eye or skin involvement) or for specific cardiac symptoms (for example, atrial fibrillation, angina or heart failure), but not specifically for CS. Purpose To develop a disease-specific patient-reported outcome measure (CARD-SARC) to assess the impact of CS on HRQoL. Methods A sequential exploratory mixed-method, multicentre observational cohort study using a clinimetric approach was conducted. The McMaster Framework for evaluative instruments involved three steps (item selection, item scaling and item reduction) which were complemented with recommendations from the consensus-based standards for the selection of health measurement instruments (COSMIN). The item-generation process connected data from quantitative (theory, research findings and systematic review) and qualitative components (qualitative semistructured interviews, clinical observations and experts’ opinion). A simultaneous triangulation (QUAN+qual) method was followed to ensure a comprehensive list of preliminary items. The formatting of items was guided by patient and public involvement (PPI) with a 2-weeks recall period. The item reduction strategy was led by PPI and an international multidisciplinary clinical CS-experts. Results 740 potential items were generated by converging all the different sources and techniques. After removal of duplicates and simultaneous triangulation, a preliminary list with 111 items was reviewed by the CS-expert panel with 26 members (including 11 pulmonologists, 7 cardiologists, 5 CS-patients and 3 specialist-nurses). After a consensus meeting, the CARD-SARC included 61 relevant items in six sections for pilot-testing: "functioning", "social, leisure and occupation", "emotional", psychological", "physical" and "healthcare/self-care". Conclusions This study combined a robust methodology with active PPI engagement to develop the first disease-specific HRQoL tool for CS. Each data source was planned independently, however the input from PPI members was critical during the simultaneous triangulation for item-generation. The contributions of CS-experts (members of the PPI group and clinical multidisciplinary experts) enhanced the content validity of the CARD-SARC. The CARD-SARC has the potential to influence clinical management and treatment options, future research and health-economic stakeholders’ decisions for CS.

Toothbrushing habits are associated with self perceived stress

Abstract Background Personal self-care is one of the most important factors in maintaining and improving oral health. Public health guidelines are recommending tooth brushing at least twice daily, once before bed time and at least on one occasion. On the other hand, our regular routines and caring for our own health is influenced by different factors including stress. We wanted to research how much does daily stress influencing tooth brushing habits. Methods We analyzed data from 2020 CINDI nationwide cross-sectional survey in Slovenia. Tooth brushing once a day or less was assessed as inadequate. Stress was assessed with question &amp;gt;&amp;gt;How often in the last 14 days have you felt tense, stressed or under a lot of pressure? &amp;lt;&amp;lt; Participants who chose often or always as an answer were assessed as persons under stress. Method of binary logistic regression was used for statistical analysis of association between tooth brushing frequency and self-perceived stress, modified for some socioeconomic factors. Results Prevalence of inadequate frequency of tooth brushing was present in 31,6 % of sample, 31,5% in participants who were not feeling tense and 31,8% in participants who often felt tense or stressed. At first it seemed stress is not associated with tooth brushing habits. We adjusted this association for gender, education level and age and this association became clearer. Participants who felt stress and/or under pressure had higher odds for poor tooth brushing habits, their odds ratio was 1,283 (p &amp;lt; 0,001; 95% CI 1,124; 1,464) when adjusted for aforementioned factors. Conclusions Oral health is integral part of general health. Association between oral and mental health is often overlooked even though psycho-social aspects are part of modern oral health definition. As personal self-care is cornerstone of maintaining and improving oral health, implementation of mental health aspects should be incorporated in public health advises and programmes for promoting oral health. Key messages • Self-perceived stress is associated with toothbrushing habits. • People who are under stress less regularly brush their teeth.

Pain Candidate Genes 5-HTTLPR and COMT Affect Anxiety and Mood in Japanese Ballet Dancers: A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Study

The balance of mental, physical, and technical aspects is essential in improving ballet performance. Ballet dancers’ emotional and behavioral characteristics vary, even under identical stress conditions. This study aimed to investigate the association between the pain candidate genes 5-HTTLPR and COMT and anxiety in Japanese ballet dancers. Participants were 18 youth elite ballet students with professional aspirations (Y-Elite) and 16 dancers in a professional ballet company (Pro). We administered psychological questionnaires, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS), to participants under the following four different stress conditions: standard practice day, cast decision day, rehearsal day, and one week before competition day. In addition, the genotypes of 5-HTTLPR and COMT Val158Met were examined. The distribution of 5-HTTLPR was not different between Y-Elite and Pro dancers, although one of the COMT genotypes was different. Y-Elite dancers had higher trait anxiety scores than Pro dancers for these genotypes before competition (ps &lt; 0.03), although no significant association was observed between both genotypes and scores on the STAI across conditions. Their moods were significantly different through the four conditions (p &lt; 0.004). Pro dancers’ moods were also more stable than those of the Y-Elite dancers in the presence of pain. The results indicate that 5-HTTLPR and COMT play a crucial role in dancers’ anxiety and mood during pain (ps &lt; 0.05). Pro dancers are probably predicted by their lower neuroticism and mood scores and their better adaptation to stress than Y-Elite dancers. The 5-HTTLPR and COMT genes may be influencing the sensitivity to the environment. Youth elite ballet dancers need to understand the relationship between pain and physical activity from an early stage.

Elevated Circulating Sclerostin Levels in Frail Older Adults: Implications beyond Bone Health.

Sclerostin, initially recognized for its pivotal role in bone metabolism, has gained attention for its multifaceted impact on overall human health. However, its influence on frailty-a condition that best reflects biological age-has not been thoroughly investigated. We collected blood samples from 244 older adults who underwent comprehensive geriatric assessments. Sclerostin levels were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Frailty was assessed using two validated approaches: the phenotypic model by Fried and the deficit accumulation frailty index (FI) by Rockwood. After controlling for sex, age, and body mass index, we found that serum sclerostin levels were significantly elevated in frail individuals compared to their robust counterparts (P<0.001). There was a positive correlation between serum sclerostin concentrations and the FI (P<0.001). Each standard deviation increase in serum sclerostin was associated with an odds ratio of 1.87 for frailty (P=0.003). Moreover, participants in the highest quartile of sclerostin levels had a significantly higher FI and a 9.91-fold increased odds of frailty compared to those in the lowest quartile (P=0.003 and P=0.039, respectively). These findings, which for the first time explore the association between circulating sclerostin levels and frailty, have significant clinical implications, positioning sclerostin as one of potential blood-based biomarkers for frailty that captures the comprehensive physical, mental, and social aspects of the elderly, extending beyond its traditional role in bone metabolism.

Relationships between mental health literacy and stress, depression, and anxiety among patients with chronic heart failure in a cardiac outpatient department

This cross-sectional analytical study investigated the relationships between mental health literacy and stress, depression, and anxiety in chronic heart failure patients within a cardiac outpatient department. A simple random sample of 116 patients was included. Data were collected using questionnaires covering participant demographics, clinical information, and mental health aspect. The content validity (IOC) ranged from 0.67 to 1, and reliability, assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, was 0.78 to 0.90. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation statistics. Findings reveal an average participant age of 60.86±12.98 years, with a male majority (66.38%). Mean scores were: mental health literacy component 184.28±23.38, stress 3.15±2.32; depression 7.83±4.84, and anxiety 52.27±11.58. Significant negative correlation existed between mental health literacy and stress (r = -0.306, p&lt;0.001), depression (r = -0.590, p&lt;0.001), and anxiety (r = -0.574, p&lt;0.001). The study indicated that mental health literacy was at a good level among chronic heart failure patients, demonstrating a negative association with stress, depression, and anxiety. Therefore, cardiac outpatient departments could integrate care management strategies to promote mental health literacy and mitigate stress, depression, and anxiety in these patients.

Reading Retardation: The Reading Difficulties and it’s Solutions According to Rushdi Ahmed Tuaima

This study aims to understand the concept of reading difficulties especially reading retardation, and the solution to fix that problem, according to Rushdi Ahmed Tuaima. The researcher also used a book by Abdul Hamid Sulaiman to compare the data. This type of research is library research. The method used in this research is a descriptive method with a qualitative approach. The data collection technique used is documentation and observation to know the application for treating reading difficulty in the school. Meanwhile, the data analysis technique used in this research is content analysis. This research reveals that Retardation reading is a student's slowdown individual process in reading. This is measured not by comparing them with others but by their mental abilities. Rushdi Ahmed Tuaima suggested that the teacher should not force the students to achieve standards that other students have achieved. Teachers must motivate students to restore their self-confidence. Apart from this, exercise is also essential to do. The treatment of reading difficulties was successfully applied in the 9th grade of Ali Maksum Islamic Junior High School, which improved the student's academic and mental aspects. The researcher hopes this research can be a reference for all teachers to implement for learning reading skills.

Traditional Worldviews, Strategic Culture and Revolutionary Mentality: The Case of People’s Republic of China

This article explores China’s ambitions to become a global hegemon in the 21st century. The research traces the origins of these ambitions in China’s strategic culture and system of ideas and representations. Forming a geopolitical study in this way, this article zooms in the concepts of ‘middle’, ‘Middle Kingdom’ and Tianxia. ‘Middle’ symbolises China’s centrality and moral authority; ‘Middle Kingdom’ embodies the idea of a state where political power is concentrated; and Tianxia represents China’s historical visions of the global order. The research results show that China’s traditional worldviews suggest ambitions for a leading status in the international chessboard, which is confirmed by China’s aspects of revolutionary mentality and development of the military power. While the extent to which China will ascend to a leading role remains uncertain, understanding China’s identity—via its strategic culture—is crucial for grasping both China’s ambitious policy and its impact on the world.

Healthy in ancient and modern times

Background: Health practices have evolved from ancient holistic approaches to modern scientifically driven methods. This comparative study aims to explore the continuity and transformation in healthcare practices from ancient times to the present, highlighting the enduring principles of wellness and the advancements in medical science. Methods and Material: The research employs a comparative analysis of ancient health practices, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, against modern health practices influenced by scientific and technological advancements. Sources include archaeological findings, historical texts, and contemporary scientific literature. Results: Ancient health practices emphasized a holistic approach, integrating diet, lifestyle, and spiritual practices to maintain balance and harmony. Modern health practices prioritize evidence-based treatments, technological interventions, and preventive care, leading to significant improvements in health outcomes. Both approaches highlight the importance of preventive measures, personalized care, and a comprehensive understanding of health and well-being. Conclusion: This study reveals that despite the methodological differences, the fundamental objective of fostering health and well-being remains constant across time. Integrating ancient wisdom with modern scientific advancements offers a more holistic approach to health, addressing physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of well-being.

Longitudinal assessment of health-related quality of life after SARS-CoV-2 infection and the associations with clinical and social characteristics in a general practice population

BackgroundWe aimed to investigate the longitudinal impact of COVID-19 and the effects of clinical and psychosocial factors, accounting for post-COVID conditions (PCC), on the mental and physical aspect of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients diagnosed with COVID-19.MethodsData from the Nivel Corona Cohort were used, which includes individuals with an established SARS-CoV-2 infection that received four questionnaires over a year’s time with questions regarding HRQoL (SF-12), symptoms and social characteristics. PCC was determined based on questionnaire data. Data on medical history and healthcare utilization were obtained from electronic health records from general practice. A repeated measures linear mixed model was used to explore associations between clinical and social characteristics, and the course of mental and physical HRQoL after a SARS-CoV-2 infection, taking PCC into account.ResultsOne hundred fifty-eight individuals of whom it was possible to determine whether they had PCC or not were included in this study. Seventy-six (48.1%) developed PCC, which was associated with a persistent reduction in both physical and mental HRQoL. Hospitalization during the acute phase of the infection had a negative impact on the physical HRQoL, which decreased over time. Females, people older than 53, and those with increased resilience and mental HRQoL before infection were more likely to report a more positive mental HRQoL over time.ConclusionThe negative association PCC has with both mental and physical HRQoL for at least six months, calls for more research to support patients with PCC.

Helping Others Facilitates Well-Being for Indigenous Peoples Living With HIV/AIDS in Canada.

Research has found that helping others facilitates well-being for Indigenous peoples living with HIV and AIDS, but limited research exists that investigates the mechanism(s) underlying this relationship. Indigenous perspectives posit that helping others facilitates well-being through the development of an individual's spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental aspects (four aspects). Similarly, self-determination theory posits that helping others facilitates well-being by satisfying basic psychological needs. In the present study, we examined if helping others facilitates well-being through the fulfillment of the spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental aspects among Indigenous peoples living with HIV and AIDS. We used a convergent parallel mixed methods design, coupled with a community-engaged approach grounded in the United Nations Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV and AIDS principles and Indigenous and decolonizing research methodologies. Survey (n = 117) and interview data (n = 9) collected by an Indigenous-led HIV/AIDS organization in Canada were employed to examine the relationship between helping, the four aspects, and well-being. Participants were primarily First Nations leaders and mentors who live with HIV/AIDS, with some Métis and Inuit. A parallel multiple mediation model and reflexive thematic analysis were used to analyze the relationship between helping, the four aspects, and well-being. Mixed-methods findings support the idea that helping others promotes well-being by fulfilling the emotional and mental aspects. Qualitative findings demonstrated this relationship for all four aspects. This research may facilitate the development of programs to support Indigenous peoples living with HIV/AIDS well-being and contribute to the literature on integrating Indigenous perspectives and methodologies within psychological research.

Impact of school closure during COVID-19 pandemic on school-going children in a rural population of Haryana: A qualitative study

ABSTRACT Background: The Government of India undertook several measures for COVID-19 pandemic, of which school closure was one. This led to sudden shift of teaching methods from classroom-based to online mode. This study aimed to understand the effects of school closure on children during lockdown period. Methods: This was a community-based qualitative study conducted in Faridabad District, Haryana, India, from January 2022 to February 2022. Two focus group discussions (FGDs) with school students of 8th standard and above and two FGDs with parents of school students below 8th standard were conducted. In-depth interviews were conducted with two school headmasters, two teachers, a Senior Medical Officer (SMO), District Education Officer (DEO), and District Elementary Education Officer (DEEO). Responses were recorded, transcribed, and reviewed to identify themes, and thematic analysis was done. Four major themes were framed—academic, physical, behavioral, and psychosocial. Results: Decreased academic performance, teacher-student interaction, and distraction from the study were found in academic domain. There was reluctance to go back to school reopening. Low physical exercise, irregular sleep cycles meal skipping, and increased screen time were noticed. Limited mid-day meal nutrition was available. Increased fear, anxiety, and loneliness were faced along with an increase in household quarrels and violence. An increase in the number of child marriages was also reported. Few students had positive impacts like improvement in hygiene practices, learning new hobbies, and skills. Conclusion: School closure had impact on the physical, mental, socio-behavioral, and academic aspects of school-going children. In case of similar events in the future, these impacts must be kept in mind by policymakers to achieve a balance between effective pandemic control and fruitful childhoods.

Cosmopsychism and the Laws of Physics: A Hylomorphic Perspective

I outline a hylomorphic account of physical reality in which the cosmos as a whole has mental properties which explain its nomological order. According to this theory, the cosmos is directed in its temporal development toward certain ends or goals which it intends, and these ends are immanent to the cosmos rather than being imposed upon it. My object in doing so is to argue that, contrary to Sean Carroll (2021), a view of physical reality as having intrinsically mental aspects need not induce any modifications of the known laws of physics nor violate 'causal closure' under physical laws. Rather, this soft form of naturalism, which includes final causes within nature, provides a foundation for the laws of physics that is lacking in Carroll's hard form of naturalism, which excludes mind from fundamental reality. I propose a trilemma for Carroll in which he should either: abandon naturalism, by admitting that the laws of physics are imposed by a divine mind; abandon realism, by conceding that 'laws' are constructed by human minds; or embrace cosmopsychism, by acknowledging that the cosmos as a whole instantiates a mind. I argue that cosmic hylomorphism, which links consciousness with intentional cognition, is preferable to non-hylomorphic versions of cosmopsychism, which tend to prioritize consciousness over intentionality.

Modelling the factors associated with quality of life in women with osteoporosis: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundConsidering the important factors contributing to different health-related quality of life (HRQoL) subscales is essential for implementing preventive measures to increase the HRQoL among women with osteoporosis. We here evaluated the variables related to the mental and physical HRQoL in a sample of Iranian osteoporotic women. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, the participants included 111 women with osteoporosis in 2013. Physical and mental of HRQoL were measured by the ECOS-16 questionnaire. Other variables included BMD t-score (Osteoporosis was diagnosed based on bone mineral density (BMD) with BMD t-score < −2.5), age, body mass index, educational level, marital status, duration of the disease, history of bone fracture in the past year, the number of pregnancies, and weekly walking hours. Final regression coefficients were obtained based on the total effects of estimations (decompositions of effects into direct, indirect and total effects) by structural equation model (SEM) analysis. ResultsThe mean scores of physical and mental domains of HRQoL were 54(21) and 54(25), respectively. The mean of BMD t-score was −3.2 (0.9). Based on the regression coefficients obtained in the SEM model, weekly walking hours(2.2), number of pregnancies (−1.2), and history of bone fracture in past year(−2.9) were the more important determinants of physical aspect of HRQoL than other included variables of this study. Furthermore, age over than 60 (−9.1), history of bone fracture in past year(−4.8), weekly walking hours(2.3), marital status(−5), and education level (3.9)influenced the mental aspect of HRQoL. ConclusionsSocial and life style factors tend to impact on physical and mental domains of HRQoL, a measure that is influenced by multiple factors among postmenopausal women. In this respect, these obtained factors should be considered for health planning to improve the physical and mental domains of HRQoL among postmenopausal women.

Burn injury and fear of rejection: A qualitative study

IntroductionOne of the most important duties of the members of the treatment team is to pay attention to the mental, psychological, and social aspects of burn patients. One of the concerns of these patients during their stay in the hospital is the fear of rejection. The objective of this research is to examine the concept of 'fear of rejection' among patients hospitalized with burn injuries. MethodThis study was conducted between January 2023 and March 2024 in Hamadan, Iran, employing a qualitative content-analysis approach. The study enrolled sixteen patients, and data were collected through deep and semi-structured interviews. The data were then analyzed using the conventional content-analysis approach developed by Graneheim and Lundman. ResultsA group of 16 patients, comprising an equal number of men and women, were interviewed for this study. Based on the data obtained from these interviews, negative brainstorming, frustration, fear of permanent physical disabilities, occupational and financial challenges were identified as categories; visualization of a foggy future and inability in performance of roles emerged as the two themes. ConclusionBased on the results of this study, it can be said that the fear of social rejection, characterized by an inability to perform roles and the visualization of a foggy future, significantly affects the psychological and physical health of burn patients, potentially delaying their recovery. Assisting these patients in reaching their fullest potential to contribute to society post-discharge, and fostering optimism for a promising future, constitute a paramount aspect of daily care and ongoing support.

Theories of consciousness: A concise overview

Consciousness or conscious experience is a mental phenomenon that is familiar to all of us, but the way in which it is produced escapes us to a large extent. Each person has a vague idea of what it means to be conscious, but consciousness is rather hard to define, albeit easy to identify. It is that function of the brain that makes us conscious of external or internal stimuli and of our thoughts regarding these subjective experiences. Conscious experience is a first-person perspective of mental states and events tracking as they unfold. It includes mental phenomena such as a perception, emotion, memory, idea, continuous temporal sequence of events. A mental process and its adjoining neurophysiological phenomena represent two aspects of the same event. We have direct access to the mental aspect, while we can observe the neurophysiological aspect only when we study the event as a biological process. The psychological study of consciousness describes the special properties of this brain function, its origin and utility in the global economy of an animal organism. The neurobiological study aims to find the neural correlates of consciousness, aims to establish causal relations between the neural phenomena and the different conscious states. Lastly, the formulation of an explanatory theory can provide a satisfactory understanding of the phenomenon. This review aims to bring some clarification in the field of consciousness, selecting the hypotheses which mostly fulfill the requirements, in order to be confirmed as explanatory theories. A valuable test for confirming an explanatory hypothesis is its predictive power. Using this criterion we have evaluated comparatively, some of the proposed explaining hypotheses.

Forecasting urban forest recreation areas in Turkey using machine learning methods

Recreation is the process of revitalizing and renewing human existence through optional activities, serving as a broad description. It has prominently arisen as a reaction to personal requirements for stress reduction, especially in developed urban areas. Engaging in this recreational activity provides a way to utilize one's spare time, providing refreshment for both the physical and mental aspects, whether done alone or with others, in countryside or city environments. Urban forests are important leisure places within city environments. An expanded presence of urban forest places can greatly enhance the general well-being of society. The estimation of urban forest areas in the future may receive increased attention, leading to measures to extend current areas or prepare for future activities and services. We utilized official statistics from the years 2013 to 2021, sourced from the Republic of Turkey official website. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's General Directorate of Forestry. We used statistics that contained information about urban forests, classified as Type D recreational areas, to create a dataset. We performed provincial-level area projections for the year 2021. Using the KNIME platform, we used three different analysis techniques: linear regression analysis, gradient-boosted regression trees and artificial neural networks. It is seen that the results of linear regression and artificial neural networks are close to each other and give good results. The peak performance was attained using artificial neural networks, resulting in an R2 score of 0.99. This study differs from other similar projects by concentrating on calculating urban forest recreational spaces per province throughout Turkey, using data provided by government agencies. The accomplishments highlight the ability to make reliable predictions about future forest resources by using analogous forecasts in the upcoming years.

Exploring Factors Influencing the Physical and Mental Quality of Life of Caregivers of Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study at Hassan II University Hospital Center.

Background Cancer is a serious public health problem worldwide, causing an impact not only on the patient's quality of life (QoL) but also on their caregiver. This study aims to assess the socio-demographic characteristics, physical and mental QoL, and associated factors among caregivers of cancer patients at the Hassan II University Hospital Center in Fez, Morocco. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of 247 caregivers of cancer patients. Their QoL including physical and mental health aspects was assessed using a 12-item Short Form health survey (SF-12). Statistical analysis was conducted utilizing IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows v26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, USA). This included calculating frequency distributions and percentages. The general and socio-demographic data associated with QoL were analyzed using the student's t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Only variables with p-value <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results The majority of the participants were 40 years old and over, and 54.3% of the total participants were women. The average physical QoL score was 47.32 (±7.08), while the average mental QoL score was 31.64 (±14.44).For caregivers, certain personal attributes and circumstances were found to influence their mental and physical QoL. Age, gender, and being unemployed were common factors impacting both the mental and physical well-being of caregivers. Moreover, being married (P=0.019) was an additional factor affecting their physical QoL. In contrast, specific aspects related to the caregiving role itself also played a significant role. Caregivers who were close family members of patients (P=0.0001) and those providing care for patients with genitourinary cancer (P=0.048) experienced a notable detrimental effect on their mental QoL. Conclusion This study highlights several factors associated with the poor QoL of caregivers, such as gender, age, professional activity, and the relationship with the patient. It is imperative to establish a specific support system for caregivers of cancer patients, including social and economic assistance, to enhance their physical and mental QoL.

Predictive effect of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated inflammatory cytokines on symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a relatively common mental disorder. Recently, inflammation, an important factor for the development of depression, has attracted increasing attention. Several studies have shown that inflammatory cytokines can affect the pathophysiological processes of several nervous system diseases. We hypothesized that there is a correlation between the levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated inflammatory cytokines and the clinical symptoms of GAD. To investigate the predictive effect of LPS-stimulated inflammatory cytokines on symptoms of GAD. This was a cross-sectional study in which 89 patients with GAD diagnosed at The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2022 to December 2022 and 70 individuals without anxiety and depression (controls) during the same period were included. Fasting venous blood was collected from all the subjects in heparin tubes, and another 3 ml of blood was supplemented with LPS (10 ng/ml). The plasma levels of 12 cytokines [Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-17A, IL-12p70, and IFN-α] were detected. Post-LPS stimulation, the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α in both the control and GAD groups were significantly elevated above those in the nonstimulated groups, with IL-6 and IL-8 showing marked increases. Increases in IL-8 and TNF-α were statistically significant in the GAD group (P < 0.05). IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α were found to be significantly correlated with Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) scores (P < 0.05). A negative correlation was observed between IL-10 levels and HAMA scores. Further analysis revealed that TNF-α was associated with mental anxiety, whereas IL-1β, IL-8, and IL-10 were associated with physical anxiety symptoms, with IL-10 showing a negative correlation with physical anxiety. IL-6 was associated with both mental and physical aspects of anxiety. The physical symptoms of GAD are related to inflammatory factors. IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-a can be used as predictors of physical or mental anxiety in patients with GAD.

Self-Reported Health and Associated Factors among Nepalese Older Adults

Background: Self-reported health (SRH) is a subjective measurement tool for overall health status that integrates biological, social, mental, and functional aspects of individuals. Objectives: The purpose of this article is to assess the SRH and its correlates among community-living older adults. Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of structured interview data collected by the Central Department of Population Studies at Tribhuvan University (TU) via a cross-sectional survey of community-dwelling persons aged 60+ in the Pharping area of Kathmandu. For this study, there were 1320 valid responses. A simple and direct question was used “In general, how do you rate your general health?” Its answer was recorded on the 5-point Likert scale ranging from “Very Good to Very Bad”. Results: The mean age of the participants was 69.92 years. Of the participants, 19.2% reported poor SRH. Results show mental health problems, total number of children still alive, age of respondent, literacy status, physical health problem now, satisfaction with current living arrangements, walking efficiency, adequate income sources, marital status and currently working were correlated with SRH. However, linear regression shows that significant factors of SRH are walking efficiency (β= 0.324, 95% CI= 0.240 to 0.323), physical health problems (β = -0.258, 95% CI= -0.493 to -0.346), currently working (β: 0.197, 95% CI=0.223 to 0.373), having enough income to meet basic needs (β: 0.065, 95% CI= -0.136 to -0.021) and satisfied with living arrangements (β= 0.065, 95% CI= 0.018 to 0.116). Conclusion: Nepal is aging rapidly, and the proportion of older people will increase in the coming days. Walking efficiency, physical health, currently working and having sufficient income are important factors related to SRH. Identifying these determinants through self-rated status can support the planning of actions aimed at improving the health of the community living older adults.